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Search the Public Notice PortalA PASSIONATE backing of plans for a major new leisure hub on the outskirts of Dunbar has won over councillors.
TheSpace Scotland CIC has spent several years putting together plans for the site, which could include a skatepark, climbing hall, 10-pin bowling, cinema and performance space.
And at a meeting on Tuesday, members of East Lothian Council's planning committee went against the recommendation of planning officers and approved the scheme.
Speaking after the meeting, Adrian Girling, managing director of the group, stressed that there were still a number of hurdles to be overcome, but it was a step in the right direction.
He said: “Good on the council because I think if they did not get behind it today, it would definitely, definitely never happen.
“By getting behind it today, they have given it a chance of happening.
“But the only way it can possibly happen is on a whole community effort, working with community councils, East Lothian Council, neighbouring site owners and just trying to work things out, solve problems one at a time.
“We are pretty pleased and a little bit stunned.
“It was great to get unanimous backing and I am grateful to my colleague Steven Ingle, who gave a bit of his own story.
“That made a big impact on the councillors."
Discussions are now expected to take place to meet the various conditions, which cover a wide range of topics, as well as looking to secure funding to ensure the project continues to move forward.
Planning officials had recommended that the scheme, which will be created between the A1 and the East Coast Main Line, be turned down, but instead councillors unanimously backed the plans.
Approval was given with more than 25 conditions attached, which could be approved at the final planning committee of the year next month.
Councillor Norman Hampshire, who chairs the planning committee and is a local ward member, was the first member of the committee to back the proposed “dynamic, multi-purpose facility”.
He acknowledged the planning officers’ stance but said: “The benefit this proposal would deliver – the social benefit, the educational benefit, the economic benefit and the tourism benefit – we have heard excellent examples of what has happened with this type of development.
“Something like this here in East Lothian would be a huge benefit to many, many young people in the future if it could be delivered.”
Members heard from not only a representative of Dunbar Community Council but also neighbouring groups in East Lammermuir and West Barns.
And while some groups had concerns, there was a recognition of the community backing for the scheme.
Councillor Donna Collins acknowledged that there were still hurdles to be overcome.
However, she stressed the the facility would be “a massive boost to Dunbar”.
The Dunbar and East Linton ward member said: “It has got massive public support.
“We don't have that youth facility within Dunbar.
“We lost stuff years ago and it has never been replaced.”
Planning officials had raised concerns about the “unacceptable loss of prime agricultural land”, as well as drainage and traffic generated by the site.
Various conditions will now need to be met before work can start on the site.
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